How to Care for and Maintain Your Upcycled Furniture
At Gracie’s House, we pour love, creativity, and hours of craftsmanship into every piece we upcycle. Each item is carefully restored and reimagined, ready to become a beautiful feature in your home. Because these pieces are often vintage and individually finished, they deserve a little extra TLC to keep them looking their best.
Whether you’ve recently welcomed a one-of-a-kind dresser, bedside table, or statement sideboard into your home, here’s our practical guide to caring for your upcycled furniture.
🌿 General Cleaning Tips
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Dust regularly using a soft, lint-free cloth. Microfibre cloths are ideal as they gently pick up dust without scratching the surface.
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For a deeper clean, use a damp (not wet) cloth with mild soapy water. Avoid harsh chemicals, sprays, or abrasive cleaners as they can damage hand-painted or waxed finishes.
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Always dry surfaces immediately after wiping to prevent moisture marks or damage.
☀️ Protecting Your Furniture
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Avoid direct sunlight where possible, as it can cause paint finishes to fade or wood to dry out over time.
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Use coasters, placemats, and felt pads under ornaments, mugs, or vases to protect against scratches, heat marks, and water rings.
🖌️ Maintaining Painted and Waxed Finishes
Many of our upcycled pieces are finished with specialist chalk paints, waxes, or varnishes. Here’s how to care for them:
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Chalk-painted furniture: Clean with a soft, dry cloth. If the surface becomes marked, gently wipe with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid abrasive sponges or heavy rubbing.
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Waxed furniture: Re-wax every 6-12 months to nourish the wood and keep the finish looking rich. Use a good quality clear furniture wax, apply with a soft cloth, and buff to a sheen.
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Varnished surfaces: These are a little hardier. Clean as above, but still avoid strong chemical cleaners that could dull the finish.
🛠️ Small Repairs and Touch-Ups
Life happens — and sometimes small knocks or scuffs occur. Here’s how to tackle them:
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Minor chips or scratches on painted furniture can often be touched up with a small artist’s brush and matching paint. Keep a small pot of leftover paint from your piece if possible.
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For waxed surfaces, a quick buff with wax can help disguise minor marks.
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Avoid placing heavy or sharp-edged objects directly onto delicate surfaces.
🪴 Styling with Care
Remember, while your upcycled furniture is sturdy and functional, it’s also a piece of history. Avoid overloading shelves and drawers, especially if the piece is particularly old. Use liners in drawers to protect painted interiors and consider placing felt pads under décor or lamps to avoid pressure marks.
In Summary
With a little mindful care, your upcycled furniture will stay looking beautiful for years to come. These pieces aren’t just functional — they’re unique works of art with stories to tell. And by looking after them, you’re preserving both craftsmanship and character.
If you ever have any questions about maintaining your Gracie’s House pieces, we’re always happy to help. Feel free to drop us a message or visit our Contact Page for advice.
Love,
Gracie’s House ✨
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